Dementia Care Central Framework
From Clinicaltools.com
Contents |
Key Details
- Title: Online Education and Support for Dementia Caregivers
- Funding: National Institute on Aging Grant #5R43AG026227
- Funding Project Officer:
- Principal Investigator: Meghan Coulehan, MPH
- Start: 8/1/2007 End: 7/31/2009
- Product: Website for caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
Need
There are currently over seven million Americans living with dementia and most of them are cared for at home by a loved one. The negative impact of caregiving for someone with dementia has been well-documented; caregivers' physical and mental health often declines as they struggle to care for their loved ones.
Vision
An interactive consumer website where informal caregivers can find a comprehensive set of resources, tips, tools to help care for loved ones with dementia, and can share knowledge and experiences with other caregivers in this online environment.
Mission
To create an innovative online environment with a comprehensive source of educational materials, resources, and online support communities that helps informal caregivers care for their loved ones.
Target Audience
Informal caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Overall Constraints
- There are currently a number of websites that offer information on dementia and dementia-related topics, and tools for caregivers.
Strengths
- Caregivers try to stay actively informed in all aspects of their caregiving, and will conduct internet research and visit websites to find the most helpful information for their loved one
- Caregivers as a group tend to be compassionate individuals who are eager to help other caregivers by sharing their knowledge and experiences
Goal
To develop a comprehensive online environment for caregivers that provides information on (all) of the dementias associated with aging. The website will also include materials on topics ranging from handling financial and legal matters to providing hands-on care for activities of daily living. The information will be provided in an innovative and interactive way, combining forums, RSS feeds of dementia medical news updates, instructional audio and video presentations, daily caregiver tips, and links to important outside resources. Users of the website will have the knowledge, support, and confidence to be the best caregiver for their loved ones.
Objectives
- Build content on the types of dementia and information for caregivers
- Identify important outside resources that will be useful to dementia caregivers
- Compile practical tools, tips, and stories for caregivers
- Encourage user involvement in, and contribution to the website through the implementation of forums and interactive tools that enhance the user's experience (and wiki-style editing?)
Evaluation
A series of telephone and on-site usability interviews will be conducted with the target audience of informal caregivers to evaluate the website and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
New Ideas
The use of Drupal, a new content management system, has greatly expanded our possibilities for website design and functionality. We plan to
Communication
Conference Presentations
- Ross A, Coulehan M, Tanner TB. Determining Dementia Caregivers' Needs and Preferences for an Internet-based Educational and Psychosocial Intervention . Poster Presentation at the 16th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Conference. August 2008. Garden Grove, CA. Conference notes
- Practicing Physicians
- Medical Students
- Alcohol
- Buprenorphine
- MS Pain and Addiction
- ELSI of Genetics (ELSI = Ethical, Legal and Social Implications)
Consumers
- Dementia Care Central
Intermediaries
Health Researchers
